Use your pay TV or cable provider with Apple TV

Watch live channels, on-demand programming, and access additional features on your Apple TV. And if you get an Apple TV directly from your provider, you can access content right out of the box, with a few easy steps.

Sign in to an existing Apple TV with your pay TV or cable provider

You can sign in to Apple TV to access content through your pay TV or cable provider. Just go to Settings > Accounts > TV Provider to sign in. This single sign-on allows you to access apps using your provider, so you don’t have to sign in to every channel’s app.

Some providers might automatically sign you in to access their content if your Apple TV is connected to their Internet service.

Your provider might also offer an app in the App Store with extra features like on-demand and live television. You might be prompted to install the app when you sign in, or you might need to download it separately. The app might also be available for your iPhone or iPad.

Single sign-on requires an Apple TV 4K or Apple TV (4th generation).

Set up an Apple TV from your pay TV or cable provider

If you receive an Apple TV from your pay TV or cable provider, then your Apple TV might automatically sign in to your provider right out of the box. Here's what you need to do to get started:

During setup, you might need to connect your Apple TV to your cable provider's Internet service to automatically sign in. Check with your provider for more information. If you're not automatically signed in, then you'll be prompted to select your provider and sign in with your account. This lets you access your subscription content on Apple TV.

If your cable provider also offers Internet service, you might need to connect to your home Internet network to access some of your subscription content. Your content might not be available on other networks.